The Lost Thread

A Week Later

Maya had settled well in the routine of office work. Although the work is taking a toll on her time, but she is enjoying sitting in one place, rather than running around the entire school after naughty children. Although she is missing spending time with Kedar, she knew the money will enable them to have a better few months. A few paychecks had already been spent on shoes, warm clothes and a few household items. Rest is going into a rainy day fund.

Maya has not been invited to the cabin anytime during the week. The work has been intense, while lunch has been a subdued affair. Anush talks a lot, but during lunch time he concentrates on the food. Maya, too, nibbles on the various delicacies laid out the hotel buffet, often wondering if she can get used to all this luxury. 

Throughout the week, Maya had felt the pull. A sudden increase in the hear-beat, a soft earning, that has been her constant companion since the day she had fainted. She kept wondering if she really had seen Dhruv, or someone looking a lot like Dhruv. She had somewhat arrived at the conclusion that maybe, just maybe, the boss looked like Dhruv. With that conviction in mind, she is slowly hardening her mind to meet the man, who might stirr up some unpleasant memories. She is dreading the day, but cannot withstand the curiosity either. Does he really look like him?

A slight cough brought her out of her reverie. She looked at the source, and found Anush looking intently at her. 

'Ready to meet the boos?' he asked with a smile.

For a dreadful moment, Maya wondered if she had spoken aloud. Her alarmed expression amused Anush greatly. 

'Common, he is not that bad. At least not until you get to know him', he chuckled at his own joke. He got off his seat and walked to Maya's seat. 

He leaned in a spoke in a soft voice.

'He is a bit of a womanizer. So, as long as you are immune to the charisma and good looks, you are safe. Just don't encourage him in any ways, O.K.?'

Maya nodded with a bewildered expression. She felt a bit scared. Her experience with men were limited, and not at all unpleasant. This little piece of information made her feel a bit apprehensive. 

Anush gestured towards the cabin and lead the way. Maya scurried behind him.

Dhruv's POV

The door opened slowly to reveal the duo. Dhruv has been watching the two of them getting closure every passing day, and has finally decided that he has had enough. He had hired the girl to get to know her, not to find his Secretary a girlfriend. He swallowed another gulp of anger as the girl seemed to be almost hiding behind Anush, while busy avoiding anywhere at him. 

'So, you are Maya' said Dhruv, in what he believed to be a tolerably friendly tone. 

But he was not prepared for those captivating eyes swing to him with a completely surprised and bewildered look. A quick look at Anush suggested that he too was amazed to see the look on Maya's face. If this is how this girl reacts to her superiors, she will never hold on to any job. 

Anush lightly touched Maya to bring her out of her stupor. The action immediately spur Maya into action. She hastily said hello and produced a horribly strained smile. Dhruv put her fear down to the many stories Anush might have poured into her ears. After gracing Anush with a glacial look, Dhruv continued in a soft voice. 

'Thank you for helping us out in such a short notice. Please let me or Anush know if you need anything.'

By Dhruv's standards, he was being amazingly gentle. But this too produced a small nod from the girl. 

'Must be an act', thought Dhruv

Nevertheless, he dismissed her and asked Anush to stay behind.

'Why is she so scared? What have you been telling her?'

'I just mentioned that you did not tolerate any mistakes and so on'

'I don't pay you to discuss me behind my back. Please put her at ease. Also, make sure to grab your lunch on time. I don't wish to have another fainting episode in this office.'

Anush nodded and was happy to escape. He wondered for the hundredth time, what is going on? Why is this guy being so nice. What is the catch?

Later That Evening

Krish had not chatted with Maya since she started on her new job. He agreed that this is a good opportunity for Maya, and she should relocate to a city. That way, she can lead a far more comfortable and safe life. 

Today he was waiting for her outside the hotel. He did wonder about the a business man who would choose to come and work in such a remote area. But then, there is nothing wrong with this place. He has been working in this area for so many years now and is still not bored. 

Krish saw a girl coming out of the gates and a ignored her, until he realized that's Maya. Used to see a girl in faded salwar, he hardly recognized the girl in skirts and a beautiful cardigan. However, what made him freeze was the haunted look in her eyes. 

'Maya'

Maya kept walking. Krish ran and pulled her to a stop.

'What's wrong Maya?'

Maya took one look at Krish, tried to put on a brave face, gave up and it all came tumbling down. She threw herself in his arms and started crying, not caring that they are now getting more than their fair share of attention. People are stopping to stare, extremely curious and slightly disapproving of a girl clinging to the arms of a young boy. 

'Hush Maya, talk to me. What happened? Was someone rude to you? Did someone hurt you?' As the questions came tumbling out, so did the horrific scenarios in his mind. What happened to put the usually placid Maya in such a state?

With difficulty Maya gathered herself.

'I need to talk to you'

'Ok, but can you walk back up, or do you want to go somewhere else?'

'I will talk while we walk'